The Slice: Was it the potholes, or did you leave for some other reason?

You know how some businesses conduct exit interviews with employees who announce plans to voluntarily leave to go work for another company?

Sure. Well, what if we conducted debriefings with people who decided to move away from the Spokane area?

With your kind assistance, I propose to do precisely that.

Here’s how this will work. If you are still in touch with former co-workers, friends or family members who moved away in the last few years, please mail or email them this column. Ask your contacts to answer the questions and return the survey to The Slice.

By the way, I’m not assuming this will net nothing but Spokane-bashing. If it does, fine. It’s always best to hear the truth.

But American families have been pursuing opportunities in other states since well before Abraham Lincoln’s did just that. We are a mobile people. I have no interest in judging those who have left.

I’m just curious about why they did.

1. What first brought you to the Spokane area?

2. How long were you here?

3. Would you say that, for the most part, you were happy here?

4. What did you like best about living here?

5. What did you dislike?

6. Why did you decide to leave?

7. Do you like your new community?

8. What could Spokane learn from the city that is your current home?

9. What could your current city learn from Spokane?

10. If Spokane ever comes up in conversation, what do you say?

11. Is there a Spokane business, restaurant, et cetera that you miss?

12. Is there a person, community event or institution you are delighted to no longer hear about?

13. How would you compare the Spokane news media to the news media where you now live?

14. Do you ever have occasion to come back here for a visit (and if so, does this area seem to be changing)?

15. Would you ever consider moving back here?

Thanks for your time. I will honor requests for anonymity when I get around to publishing results. But I need to know your name and how to contact you.

Today’s Slice question: What middle-of-the-night snack calls to you from the kitchen?